"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." – Hellen Keller

Chapter 23

Harald and I spent a week trading off between training with the pirate dragon riders and going on pirating missions. Both were a lot of fun, though they left me exhausted. One day, we were relaxing at the base of a hill in the village when Viggo stormed by, his face contorted in anger.

"That Toki," he growled, more to himself than to us. "He will pay. He will pay for what he did to Nikora."

"What has he done?!" Harald exclaimed, leaping to his feed and reaching for his sword.

Eyes wide, I grasped his arm to stop him. "I'm sure he doesn't mean right now. Right, Viggo?" I shot him a nervous look.

Viggo's eyes were narrowed at the ground. "No, this happened a long time ago. When he lived here."

"I knew he was up to no good," Harald growled, though he appeared calmer than before.

"What happened, Viggo?" I said. "Where's Nikora?"

"Back in her room," Viggo replied. "We were... talking. I learned distressing news and had to get out of there before I took it out on her."

I stared at him. "And you didn't think storming out would give her the wrong impression?"

"He's clouded with anger," Harald said. "He wasn't thinking clearly. Will you please check on her, Brennda? I'll talk to Viggo."

I nodded. "Alright. Good luck."

Luckily, I had been to Nikora's house once before, so I was able to find my way easily. Viggo had left the door open, so I slipped inside. Upon approaching Nikora's room, I elected to knock on the door. I heard her grant permission, so I entered.

I stopped short upon seeing Nikora sitting on her bed. Her normal robes were gone, and the thin tunic revealed a small bump on her belly. I swallowed hard. She was pregnant. By Toki. I would have been horrified if not for the unusual amount of emotion on her face. She seemed to be barely holding back her anguish.

"Brennda," she said softly. "I need to explain something."

I nodded. "Alright." I slowly approached the bed and sat beside her. "Explain away."

Nikora did not look at me as she spoke: "My tribe has what you would call unusual customs. We are warriors, valuing physical strength along with intelligence. Couples are matched for the purpose of producing children with the desired traits. Marriage is not forced, but love factors little into the equation."

"I see." I knew various tribes had different views on marriage, but this was the first I had heard of something like this. As long as no force was involved, I didn't find anything technically wrong with it.

"What is left of my tribe no longer follows those stringent rules, but certain mindsets are hard to shed. Besides, I am growing older, and it would be wise to leave an heir to take over once I am gone." She finally looked at me, though I could not tell much from her expression.

"Okay, I can see that, but why Toki?"

Nikora smiled ruefully. "Men with strength and intelligence are hard to come by. Despite his questionable personality, I did not know if I would ever find someone suitable."

I bit my lip, unsure if I should ask my next question. "What about Harald? Doesn't he qualify?" I noted the surprise on her face and looked away.

"Yes, Harald would be a good match," she said carefully, "but there was never any romantic interest on either side. Though he may have been willing before he met you, a sexual relationship would have damaged the companionship we shared. Where romantic feelings are absent, it is best if there are few emotions involved at all."

I silently thanked Thor for her prudence on the matter. "That makes sense. You chose Toki because you had no attachments and knew he would leave eventually."

"Exactly. If I had known he would become so dangerous, I would not have done it. I should have listened to Harald. He tried to warn me."

"I'm sure you were doing what you thought was best. It's all in the past anyway. You have to figure out how to deal with the problems you have right now." I paused to collect my thoughts. "Do you like Viggo?"

A faint smile formed on Nikora's face. "Yes, I do. Very much, in fact. I wish I had met him before Toki. I am afraid I have scared him off, though I do understand. What man wants to raise another man's child?"

I shook my head. "Oh no. That's not what's going on here. When I just saw Viggo, he was angry at Toki, not you. He wants to 'make him pay.'"

Nikora looked at me in surprise. "That makes no sense. Toki did nothing wrong. It was completely consensual. And it was my idea."

I smiled because I understood her objection. I would have made it too when I first met Harald. "It doesn't matter. Men are very protective and... possessive. They don't like the idea of their woman being with another man even if it was consensual. They feel competitive with these other men. Viggo feels you have been mistreated because Toki got you pregnant and then left you. You may be completely able to deal with the situation on your own, but Viggo doesn't think you should have to. He's just showing he cares, though I agree he shouldn't have stormed off like that."

Nikora frowned. "I still do not quite understand. I am quite capable of protecting myself. I am no victim."

"That's not the point." I took a moment to decide how to best approach the topic. "You are a dominant woman like me. There are certain difficulties you have to navigate while being with a man who is also dominant. If a successful relationship is your goal, I can share with you what I have learned through trial and error. There is no reason for you to repeat my mistakes."

"Yes, please do." Nikora turned to me fully and watched me with rapt attention.

I smiled slightly. "Alright. First, you have to accept that men, as a general rule, are protective by nature, especially dominant men. They can't change that, so you have to find a way to work with it. Mature men will look out for you and protect you while still allowing you to make your own choices and fight for yourself. They will get upset if you are angry with them for trying to keep you safe. They're not trying to control you. They're just showing that they care. And, actually, it can be quite a turn on to see a man defend you. Especially, when you can protect yourself, it feels good when someone cares enough so you don't have to. Plus, it works the other way. Sometimes you will get to look out for him. I feel just as protective of Harald as he is of me."

"That is why you took that dagger for him."

I smiled. "That's right. He was resistant to it at first too, but now he really appreciates it."

"And you are sure Viggo feels the same way?"

"Definitely. He and Harald are a lot alike in that regard. If they wanted submissive women, they would not be so attracted to us. They like our dominance, even if they can't admit it. Harald loves it that I challenge him and can keep up with him intellectually. He may claim he hates losing to me, but his eyes tell me he's proud. Viggo gave you that same look when we beat them at Maces and Talons."

Nikora nodded. "Understood. How do you manage this co-dominance? It sounds like you would butt heads a lot."

I shrugged. "We did at first. Admittedly, that was part of the attraction on both sides. We had to learn how to manage it together. Now we still clash, but most of the time it is intentional and playful."

"How did you learn to manage it?"

"Well, first I had to get Harald to stop trying to protect me by completely staying away from me, which falls under the category of controlling protectiveness. He had to decide that he wanted to make a relationship work. Don't worry, Viggo is already past that point. Anyway, the key to making it work is allowing yourself to be vulnerable with each other. Both of you are independent and want to be in control, but you have to give up some of your power when you're together. It is extremely difficult and frightening at first, but it is definitely worth it in the long run.

"What I think is great about this type of relationship is that both individuals are completely fine on their own. They don't need a mate to complete them, but they choose to come together to create something new. Two independent people form one interdependent couple, giving them the ability to do things together they could never do on their own. It is the best feeling when Harald and I are totally in sync. We know and trust each other enough to act as one."

Nikora nodded again. She appeared fascinated with my analysis. "How does that work when you're... intimate? I know you have to be on the same page, but usually it works better when one is in the dominant position."

"Oh, for sure. We trade off the positions. Sometimes we playfully fight for dominance, and other times we can both sense who needs to either give or receive more. And that's really the point. The dominant partner gives to the submissive partner who willingly receives it. There is no losing proposition. I often allow Harald to be in control because I love the joy he gets from showering me with his love. I willingly choose to give up power; he doesn't take it from me. The same is true in the reverse. Especially after how hard it was to get to this point, it's thrilling to see Harald so vulnerable and weak for me. To have someone like him - a pirate who is used to taking instead of giving or receiving - give up power to me is proof of our bond."

Nikora nodded with a smile. "You make it sound so poetic. You two are quite the inspiration."

I blushed when I realized how much I had unintentionally revealed. "Well, we've had to overcome a lot of hurdles to be together, but they have made us stronger. It feels like we can get through anything now."

"And that is exactly what we'll need in our upcoming fight." She paused. "Thank you for the advice. You have give me a lot to think about."

"No problem. If you're willing to put in the work, I'm sure you and Viggo can achieve something great."

Nikora glanced at her stomach. "If he can get past this."

I gave her a sympathetic smile. "It'll be fine. Just let him protect you... and the baby. Once he calms down, he should be back in here to see you." I intended to make sure this would happen.

"Thank you, Brennda. I assume Harald knows?"

"Yeah, he probably wrestled it out of Viggo."

Nikora frowned. "He would have found out eventually."

"I'll make sure he's fine." I got up and left her in search of the two men. I had done my part. Now it was up to Viggo.

Viggo

"You knew?" Viggo said darkly, his eyes narrowed at Harald. "Why didn't you stop her?"

"I didn't have any right!" Harald snapped. "It's her body and her life. I warned her against Toki, but she didn't listen. There was nothing I could do."

Viggo calmed when he realized he was right. "I'm sorry. I should not blame you. Toki is the one who's responsible."

"Nikora had just as much say. She was following her tribe's customs."

"Yes, she told me about that." Viggo ran a hand through his hair and sighed. This was not how he expected this day to go. "I still think Toki had malicious intent. Don't tell me he didn't want to weaken her at a time when she would need to fight him."

Harald shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past him. So, what are you going to do about it?"

Viggo eyed him carefully. "What do you mean?"

"You like her, don't you? Are you going to let this stop you from pursuing her?"

"Of course not! I just need time to process it... and to figure out if she really cares for me."

Harald scoffed. "There's nothing to figure out. She's not using you, mate. She's already pregnant and doesn't need you for that, and she is quite capable of taking care of a baby on her own. She wouldn't turn to a man for help. She likes you, and I've never seen her like anyone - romantically, I mean (of course she likes me). If you need proof, just ask her."

Viggo could not help but smile. He never thought his younger friend would be the one giving him advice about love. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Thank you for your input, Harald."

Harald nodded. "Just make sure you treat her right. You're much better than Toki. You have my approval."

Viggo smirked. "As if I needed it." He paused. "But thank you."

"Viggo Grimborn!"

Viggo and Harald turned to see Brennda storm up to them, her face set in a glare. "Yes?" Viggo said.

"I don't care if you need time to 'process' everything" Brennda went on. "Avoiding Nikora will only confirm her fears of rejection. If you don't want to lose her, I suggest you go back and make things right."

"I'd listen to her, mate," Harald said with a smirk.

Viggo looked at Brennda in surprise. "Fear? It seems I have made a miscalculation. My apologies. I will fix this immediately." Without another word, he set off for Nikora's house.

He found her just as he had left her: sitting on her bed in her thin tunic. "You came," she said to him, her expression unreadable. "Brennda said you would."

"She knew I would know what do do once she and Harald set me straight." Viggo sat beside her so they were on the same level. "I've spent to much time guiding those two and yet they have taught me something today. I suppose some things can only be learned through experience."

Nikora smiled faintly. "You care about them a great deal."

Viggo dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Harald and I became fast friends because we are alike and needed the companionship. And Brennda... she saved my life, literally and figuratively. Helping her pursue Harald gave me a purpose in life I did not think I would find again when I left the dragon hunters."

"And what about me? Why are you drawn to me?"

Viggo smiled at her. "You are beautiful, strong, and powerful. But more than that alone, I see the trials you have gone through. You know what it is like to suffer, but you have not let it destroy you. You have the wisdom and prudence to admit when you are wrong and change course accordingly. It would be an honor to be allowed to remain at your side. But I know you hardly need me to protect you, and perhaps I am not the type of man you want."

Nikora scooted closer to him and placed her hand over his on the bed. "Not the type I want? You mean a man who is intelligent, cunning, dedicated, and would do anything for his friends?" She lifted her hand and brushed it across the scarring on the left side of his face. "You are exactly who I want."

"Nikora..." Viggo breathed. She pressed her lips against his, and he eagerly kissed her back. He was surprised when she let him take control. She pulled him down with her as she lay on the bed. He broke the kiss to give her a questioning look while hovering over her.

Nikora smiled coyly at him. "Go ahead, Viggo. Make me yours."

Viggo smirked before bending down to kiss her once more. She did not need to tell him twice.

"Skulder!" I exclaimed when the archaeologist arrived on the island. He finally decided to join his friends on Auction Island, and we were all there to greet him. "I'm glad you could make it."

"It's good to see you, Brennda," Skulder said. He quickly glanced over the group. "The rest of you too. I've just about had it at New Berk! Hiccup has let some crazy ideas get to his head. It's been madness letting him believe I'm actually going along with it."

Harald smirked at him. "Deception isn't as easy as it looks, is it?"

Skulder shot him a sharp look. "It's manageable, but I don't like it."

"We're grateful for you trying," I said. I glanced at Harald. "You know, I probably wouldn't have been able to escape in the first place if he didn't convince Hiccup he hated you and would never help you."

"Really?" Harald said with a hint of surprise in his voice.

"What part can't you believe?" said Skulder. "That I can lie or that I don't hate you?"

Harald's eyebrows rose. "You mean you didn't do it for Brennda?"

"If my motives were solely to help Brennda, I would have kept get her at Berk, not sent her off to risk her life for you."

Harald stared at him long and hard. Finally, he said, "I don't hate you either."

Heather rolled her eyes. "You two are ridiculous."

"If Hiccup is acting paranoid, is he distrustful of Cason?" Viggo inquired.

Skulder frowned. "You'd think he would be, but for some reason, he believes everything the kid says. Cason is definitely up to something. He stole my notes about the map! Luckily, I had a backup."

"I hope you didn't just leave him there unattended," Eret said.

"No, Snotlout will keep an eye on him."

"Snotlout?" I said in surprise. "He's on our side?"

Skulder nodded. "Apparently he's grateful to you for always listening to him and believing in him. He wanted to come here with me, but I convinced him he's more useful on New Berk."

I smiled. "Good job. That is very helpful."

"So now you've joined the pirates," Harald said.

"I've joined my friends," Skulder said. "I have no intention of becoming a pirate."

"It's not that bad, Skulder," I said. "Though it would probably be a bit much for you."

"He'd get captured first mission," Harald said.

Skulder frowned. "Wait - have you...?" His eyes landed on my bandanna as if seeing it for the first time.

I shrugged. "It's a pirate's life for me."

Heather laughed at Skulder's mortified look. "You'll get used to it."

"Oh, good, the archeologist is here." Everyone turned to see Nikora approached. "Come with me. I have something I need you to translate."

Skulder appeared petrified.

"She won't bite, mate," Harald said.

Nikora rolled her eyes. "It's about the Luminous Krayfin. You're interested in him, yes?"

Skulder snapped to attention. "Oh, yes! Pardon me. I'll come right away."

"Do you think he'll make it?" Eret said as Skulder scurried after Nikora.

"He'll manage just fine," said Viggo.

"The gang's finally all together," I said. Now all that was left to do was convince Hiccup to join us. Easier said than done.

Three days after Skulder's arrival, a Monstrous Nightmare landed on the island, causing a ruckus. I immediately recognized Snotlout and Hookfang and ran to stop a problem before it occurred. "It's alright, they're with us!" I said to the pirates surrounding them.

"Brennda, what's going on?" Nikora said sharply, arriving with the rest of my friends.

I eyed Snotlout as he slipped from Hookfang's back. "That's what I'd like to know. You're supposed to be at New Berk."

"I had to warn you!" Snotlout exclaimed. "Cason is a spy!"

"I've been saying that since day one," Harald said. "What did he do?"

"Cason told Hiccup that Stormheart is leading an army to attack New Berk." He paused and looked around at the pirates. "Clearly, that was a lie."

Harald's eyes narrowed. "Toki wants us to take each other out so he doesn't have to bother with us."

"How far away are they?" Nikora asked.

"I left them in the dust because Hookfang is so fast," Snotlout said, "but it shouldn't take them too long to get here."

"Then we shall go out in meet them over the sea. They cannot be allowed to reach this land."

"But that's playing into Toki's hand," I protested. "He wants us to fight."

Nikora regarded me with a cool eye. "Would you have me not defend my people? If Hiccup cannot be reasoned with, we must fight. If you think you can get through to him, do what you must. Command these here as you will." She swept her arm across my circle of friends.

I nodded. "Right. Of course self-defense is justified." I turned to the others. "Okay, Viggo, go with Nikora and help her. Eret, round up the pirate dragon riders and lead them. Snotlout and Skulder, fly to Hiccup and try to stop him. Heather, go get Dagur. He might not be able to convince Hiccup, but it's worth a shot." Everyone split up, leaving me alone with Harald.

"I suppose we're going to do something crazy and reckless," Harald said.

I grinned at him. "You've got it! We're going to New Berk."

"Oh, good. We get the fun part."

"Ruffrunner, you come too," I said as we passed the Night Light on the way to the stables. "We're to find your family." And I had to hope they were in a more reasonable mood than Hiccup. It was about to begin!

A/N: That was the nicest conversation Harald and Skulder have ever had.